According to a CROP survey conducted for the Ordre des conseillers en resources humaines agrees (CRHA) in October 2008, over 90% of Quebec workers believe the current economic crisis will have a negative impact on employment in the province.
Opinions differ on level of impact
While 94% of respondents expect the crisis to adversely affect employment, the survey also shows that one out of two workers think the impact will be minor, compared to 44% who believe it will be major. However, only 3% feel the economic crisis will have no impact at all.
“Obviously, the crisis can influence workers’ optimism, which underscores just how important it is for employers to clearly communicate with their employees and to explain their organization’s position in relation to the economic slowdown. Employers need to offset rumours and unfounded fears since they’re a source of counterproductive stress,” explained Florent Francoeur, CHRP, Ordre president and CEO.
Workers’ worries about their own jobs
Although anxiety is generally about employment in the province as a whole, almost one employee in ten (9%) is worried about losing his or her job in the coming year.
In addition, more than one respondent out of five (21%) thinks that the economic crisis could cause working conditions to be downgraded over the next year.
“Companies are having to navigate in troubled waters and employees feel, for example, that they might not receive the salary increases they expect. In this situation, managers should clearly and transparently communicate the objectives they may have to review in order to keep their workforce highly motivated,” concluded Francoeur.
To learn more
The complete results of the CROP-Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés survey are available here (in French only).
About the Ordre
The Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés is the primary reference organization in its field in Quebec. It has a membership of close to 9,500 professionals, candidates and students, including over 4,700 CHRPs and some 2,600 CIRCs.
It is the only organization authorized by the Professional Code to confer the designations of certified human resources professional (CHRP) and certified industrial relations counsellor (CIRC).
Active in all sectors, CHRPs and CIRCs contribute to the development and maintenance of a healthy working atmosphere and a safe, efficient organizational environment that respects the uniqueness of each and every employee. They also represent employers and employees in various areas of HR management, from industrial relations, to staffing, training, occupational health and safety, organizational development and compensation.
Recipient of a Grand Prix québécois de la qualité in 2005 and again in 2008, the Ordre welcomes high-calibre, extremely professional members and promotes their development by providing them with information and education services, a training program, online reference tools, and a prestigious magazine. It thus contributes to the advancement of the profession and plays an ever growing role in Quebec society.
